Semi trailers

[trammayo]

Having acquired a trio of transporter trucks and their semi trailer loads, I have thoughts of building a tractor unit to fit one of the trailers.

First question; What era do they represent?

Second; Could anyone provide a link/s to a suitable pic from which I might base a truck on?



Many thanks (in anticipation ).

 

[Miamigo259]

As they are fairly short, I believe they are early 1950`s at the latest, most probably earlier.

I took this photo of a similar trailer, coupled to an International Harvester tractor unit out the back of the Auburn/Cord/Dusenburg museum in Auburn, Indiana, three years ago. There was some sort of truck museum based behind the Auburn/Cord car museum, and from memory they have a website, so that may have further info.
(EDIT: Its the National Automotive & Truck Museum, but their website is of little use!)

Classic Metal Works do 1930`s/40`s US tractor units in N & HO (I`ve got some of their N ones), so they could provide suitable inspiration....

 

[trammayo]

Many thanks for that - it's a great starter! I never seem to find the correct key words to search for things but now I know what to look for.

 

[Miamigo259]

A larger view of the tractor unit....



I have got some photos of 1950`s Mack tractor units taken at their museum in Allentown, PA, last year if you get stuck, but this IH one does seem a lot easier to scratchbuild than they do!

 

[beavercreek]

Hi Mick
I have a set of 4 semis, all based on the the 1951 GMC cab unit.
Here is a couple of shots.
the second one has it `involved` in a breakdown incident with a heavy duty `wrecker` in attendance.

 

[3Valve]

How about a Mack?

Or a Peterbuilt?

Kenworth?

 

[trammayo]

Stephen - I looked up International and managed to save some images of the 1940's K series up K12. Even found a pic with a trailer almost the same style as the Bachmann one!

Mike - they look great (REA livery - did you customise the trailers?) - and the wrecker is lovely piece of kit. Envious!

Gareth - yes like the look of the Mack too (might be easier to model too). I didn't see the other two pics whilst I was posting - the Kenworth is drawing a similar trailer. I'd call that type a swan neck type trailer. Def getting spoilt for choice

Thanks for posting with pics and suggestions everyone - I'm getting spoilt for choice!

 

[Brixham]

I would have thought that cut down Triang tractor units would also be suitable.....
Somewhere in the excellent Lazy Grange Bay thread there's a photo sequence how to do this

I've got a trailer that I'll be taking to Llanfair to put on the bring and buy stall...it's as trammayo's, but without his personal west coast freight decals.

Malcolm

 

[trammayo]

Yes I wondered about the Triangs - Mikes efforts were brilliant! I think my memory (in my thick skull) needs a defrag. At least now - thanks to Forum members - I know what to search for!

Apart from deciding what to build or bash, it will be a case of round tu-it

 

[GAP]

Yes I wondered about the Triangs - Mikes efforts were brilliant! I think my memory (in my thick skull) needs a defrag. At least now - thanks to Forum members - I know what to search for!

Apart from deciding what to build or bash, it will be a case of round tu-it

There you go you've got one. Looking forward to pictures sometime this week.

 

[trammayo]

There you go you've got one. Looking forward to pictures sometime this week.

View attachment 228820

Problem is, I'm running out of space for all the round tuits!

 

[PhilP]

'Square tuits' are more space efficient, but jobs don't roll off the production line so well..

 

[chasaitch]

Re the Peterbilt..........God help us if DAF ever built a truck that looks like that! Some years ago I bought a New Foden shortly after Paccar had bought them out and they introduced all sorts of innovative ideas, one of which a simplified suspension. The tandem back axels used tortion bars in place of springs. Didn't last long here as we have twisty roads and roundabouts et al.